Four Horsemen

by Katie Dunn

  I decided I would sit next to Liam instead of avoiding him. I had more questions that needed to be answered and he was just the guy to have them. I walked into the classroom to find I was the first of few to arrive which meant I had to wait anxiously for Liam. I snagged a rolling desk chair near the back and eyed the door. Every time someone walked through my heart raced in anticipation only to be slowed when a stranger came through instead. I tapped my foot impatiently and eventually the professor walked in. I would only have a couple of minutes to talk before class started.

  Where was Liam?

  “Alright everyone, let’s-” the professor began but cut off when the door opened again.

  Liam sauntered through, his backpack slung over one shoulder, his hand in his pocket. His eyes found mine and narrowed. Without a glance at the teacher and not caring he was late he walked to the back of the room and sat in one of the rolling desk-chairs.

  “Now that everyone is here,” the professor said with a pointed look at Liam, “Let’s begin.” The teacher turned toward the board and began his lesson.

  My senses were hyperaware of Liam though, so I heard nothing the professor taught. Out of the corner of my eye I watched Liam roll his desk closer to mine. Girls around the room kept glancing at him, trying to get his attention but he managed to ignore them. Surprisingly.

  I wanted to talk to him about everything, but I also did not want to draw attention to us by interrupting the lecture, even if we were whispering. A piece of paper landed on my desk. I stared at it for a long moment before looking up at Liam, who stared at me then the paper with a pointed look. I opened the piece of paper, feeling like an elementary student reading notes behind the teacher’s back.

  How’d you sleep?

  I tensed. He knew exactly how I slept since each of them took turns checking on me every time I woke up from a nightmare. I looked up frowning, thinking he was messing with me. For once, he was not smirking or goading me. Instead, his eyes shone with concern and his fingers twitched as if he wanted to reach out and touch me. I let down my guard a bit and wrote a short reply.

  Fine. So, Trevor tells me your powers effect emotions.

  No sense in beating around the bush. I tossed the note to him but kept my eyes on the teacher to make sure he didn’t see. A second later a snort drew my attention. I turned to see Liam smirking at the paper and writing a response. What was so funny?

  First off, we don’t call them powers, they are talents. And secondly…

  Talents. Trevor hadn’t mentioned that, but it was probably better to say the word talents than powers if someone happened to overhear. I glanced up wondering what he meant by secondly and saw him trying to fight a smile. Oh, it was going to be like that, huh?

  Secondly…

  Secondly, you should pay attention to the lecture.

  I narrowed my eyes at the note then him. He avoided my look, but I knew he saw it from the way a smile tugged at his lips. I scribbled a reply, demanding he tell me more about the four Horsemen then threw it at his desk, feeling a bit exasperated. Liam opened it to read what I wrote then tucked it into his jeans pocket without replying.

  I felt like grumbling, but I held back as that would draw attention to myself. I didn’t know why I thought Liam would talk to me about it all. He liked toying with me, I could tell. Well, joke’s on him because I knew two other guys who would answer all my questions. I bit my lip as I stared at the clock waiting for class to end. Even though none of the guys technically had anymore classes with me today, I knew Kaden or Trevor would be in my Engineering class anyway. Only, I would have to find a way to talk to them without drawing Shawna’s attention.

  I bit my lip and tapped my pen against my notebook, waiting for the teacher to call the end to class. A note landed on my desk and I stared at it with excitement. I guess Liam decided to tell me something after all.

  You’re cute when you bite your lip.

  I turned and scowled at Liam, making sure he saw me crumple up the paper before I tossed it back at him. I was annoyed with his games and his playboy attitude. I was not just going to fall over myself after one compliment and forget my quest for answers. Thankfully, students began to stand and gather their stuff, signaling the end of class. I quickly stood and shoved my book into my bag before making a quick exit from class. I only had twenty minutes to get to Engineering Design and I wanted free time to talk before it began.

  I saw Liam stalking me a few feet behind but gave him a smug grin when a gaggle of girls blocked his path, trying to get his attention. I was free for a little bit and he would not be able to stop me from finding out more.

  As I suspected, Kaden ended up suddenly enrolling in Engineering Design despite it not having anything to do with his major in communications. I caught him leaning against a wall outside the class, talking to a few girls. Once he caught my eye, he excused himself and came over to me. I glanced inside and saw Shawna already sitting at the front, but I wanted to ask Kaden a few things first.

  “Hey,” Kaden greeted and flashed his perfect smile. I was sure that was how he got those girls to stay by his side before I showed up. That and his charm he seemed to exude constantly.

  I pulled him away from the classroom where students were streaming in, not wanting anyone to overhear. “So, Liam was no help, but Trevor told me about your guys’ powers, er, talents. You’re War, right?” He nodded but frowned at the topic I was bringing up. “So, what kinds of emotions do you trigger? What could Owen do? Can I do the same things?” I hoped I wasn’t bombarding him too much, but I was eager for answers.

  He crossed his arms and thought about my questions. After a few moments he looked at me apologetically. “I don’t think Liam wants us to be telling you anything.”

  I grunted in annoyance. “You are a big boy so pull up your big boy drawers and think for yourself.”

  Kaden stared at me in astonishment then burst into laughter causing a few people passing by to look toward us curiously. When he got it all out of his system he said laughingly, “Right you are.”

  I continued staring at him expectantly and his face sobered. “Man, I’m gonna be in trouble for giving you information but screw it. As War I can cause overwhelming anger and direct it toward whatever I choose. I can also use other people’s natural anger to fuel my strength.”

  My eyebrows rose as I imagined what that would be like. If it was anything like Trevor’s talents, then I would be happy to stay far from it. I was pleased though that I had guessed Kaden’s talent correctly.

  “Liam causes fear which helps him conquer just about anything, and Trevor can cause despair and hunger,” Kaden continued, unaware of my thoughts. “Owen,” pain tinged his voice, “he could cause sickness both emotionally and physically.”

  I nodded. It seemed like that was my talent as well. I was pleased to know my talent was controllable and that I didn’t have to kill someone by using it. The only thing I had to do was practice and there was no way I was going to do that on innocent people.

  “C’mon, let’s go to class.” Kaden turned toward the room and motioned for me to follow.

  I guess he was done answering my questions for now but that was okay. I had much to think over and much to hide from my roommate who would surely want details of my overnight adventures.

  Chapter 7

  Shawna ogled the three men sitting across from us. She probably thought she was being discreet but there was no way they didn’t notice her stare. Shawna had been excited that Kaden was in our Engineering Design class and spent the whole hour flirting with him. She had invited him and his friends to lunch with us and now we sat at one of the many tables in the dining area in awkward silence. Well, maybe it was only awkward for me. The guys didn’t seem to mind being mentally stripped by my roommate’s eyes, but it made me want to gag.

  Liam smirked at me making me wonder if one of his talents was mind reading. I quickly dismissed that idea however, since Trevor had said our talents effected emotions and needs. And I did not
need him to read my mind.

  “So, what are your majors?” Shawna asked directing the question to all but trailing a finger over Kaden’s hand on the table.

  Kaden leaned forward and flashed a dazzling smile at my new friend. I was pretty sure she may have swooned.

  Bleh!

  “Communications,” Kaden answered.

  Shawna frowned momentarily before smoothing it over with a flirtatious smile. She was probably wondering what a Communications major was doing in an Engineering class.

  “Economics,” Trevor added, from the other side of the table. I wasn’t surprised by his answer. He had always been fascinated with Economics and Math.

  We turned our heads to Liam who was last to answer. His gaze settled on me and a slow smile pulled at his lips. “Where best to conquer the world than Business?”

  I rolled my eyes and turned my attention to the table and food in front of me. I still felt his gaze upon me, but I refused to look. Kaden and Trevor had told him about my questions and the answers they gave. I knew he was trying to intimidate me by reminding me he was Conquest. Trying to make me see there was no point in going against his wishes since he always got his way. Well, he should know by now that I, Ophelia Bronson, bowed down to no one. I would learn about the whole four Horsemen thing whether he liked it or not. Why was he so worked up about a couple of questions anyway? He had to have known telling me who we were would only add fuel to the fire of curiosity.

  Dark, slender fingers snapped in front of my face bringing me back to the conversation. I followed the fingers to their owner and found Shawna’s smile trained on me. “I said how was last night?”

  I glanced briefly at the guys, but they all had matching masks of indifference. They were too good at that. “Um, not much, I ran into Liam at the library and decided to hang with them and catch up. Time passed and before I knew it, I was too tired to leave.”

  Shawna’s eyes narrowed a bit. I would be suspicious too if I were in her shoes. Last time we talked about Liam, Kaden, and Trevor, I complained about them but now I was suddenly okay with them. She knew I was lying but I kept my face composed. After a moment of scrutiny, she sat back with a bright smile and let the topic drop.

  For the rest of lunch, I let Shawna continue leading the conversation while we ate. Eventually, Shawna’s phone beeped reminding her of her next class. “Oh man, I gotta go. Text me later,” she told me then lowered her voice into a husky tone and wiggled her fingers at Kaden, “Bye, call me.” Then she was gone, leaving the four of us alone.

  I couldn’t help but burst into laughter. Kaden stared at me with confusion while the other two hid smiles. “She is so into you.” I grew serious and leaned in toward Kaden so he could hear me better. “Don’t ever hurt her or you will be on the receiving end of some serious illness.” At that moment my threat was an empty one because I didn’t know how to cause sickness on demand yet, but he didn’t need to know that.

  Trevor and Liam’s fight to contain their humor failed at my threat and they started laughing. Even Kaden chuckled which only made me grumpy. The least they could do was take my threat seriously.

  We had an hour left until my next class and I did not really want to spend it sitting there in the cafeteria. “I’m gonna go get my bike.”

  I stood and headed for the door without waiting for a reply. I didn’t turn back until I exited the building, but I wasn’t surprised to find the three of them following me when I did. I stopped, waiting for them to reach me so I could talk to them. There was no point walking alone when I could be getting answers.

  “So how did you guys find out you were Horsemen?” I asked, watching their expressions carefully.

  The three of them stiffened. It was Liam who answered but his answer made me want to smack him. “None of your business.” Then he walked ahead, leading us to the library.

  I glared at his back but when he didn’t look at me, I gave into my temptation and pinched him.

  “Ow!” A very fierce, very tall Horseman turned on me and suddenly invaded my personal space. “What did you do that for?” Liam asked calmly, but fire burned in his hazel-brown eyes.

  “I-” I glanced at the other two, but they didn’t seem inclined to help me. Liam smirked at my hesitation which made me stand straighter and put my fists on my hips. “How can you say it’s none of my business? I am part of this now and whether you like it or not, Liam Griffiths,” I poked him in the chest eliciting a growl from him. “I will learn everything about it.”

  Sudden and sharp fear washed through me making me shake. My heart raced until I thought it would jump out of my chest. I did not know why I thought standing up to him would be a good idea. Why did I need to know about the Horsemen? It was all too dangerous for me. My heart pumped so frantically I thought it would burst from my chest. My legs started shaking and my finger trembled. If I didn’t run away, I was afraid I might die. I started to turn to run to the library far, far away from that towering, terrifying man.

  Something Kaden said earlier niggled in the back of my mind, trying to overcome the fear triggering my flight response.

  Liam causes fear which helps him conquer just about anything.

  I yanked my finger from his chest and the fear evaporated. I gaped at Liam as I held my finger as if I had been shocked. “Did you just try to use your talent to make me drop the subject?”

  Liam looked annoyed that his plan had not worked. The nerve! I swept past him and marched away.

  My bike was exactly where I left it by the library. I unlocked it, glad that it had not been stolen, and without looking back I hopped onto it and rode off toward my dorm. Shouts sounded behind me, but I ignored them. I needed some me time.

  When I reached my dorm, I quickly locked my bike to the rack then rushed inside, pleased that only residents could enter with their ID. Even if the boys caught up to me, they would not be allowed inside. That is unless speaker boy let them in, in which case I would have some words. I waited five minutes anyway, sure that they would find some way to reach me. I sat at my desk staring at the door, but no one came. I decided to push them out of my thoughts and get some homework done before I fell behind. I took out my books, and for the next half hour focused only on my work.

  A while later, the door handle jiggled causing my heart to race. How did they get into the Residence Hall? I closed my books, and stood, ready to take a stance and kick them out. A familiar pretty, tall woman with mocha skin and curly brown hair entered the room.

  I breathed out a sigh and gave my roommate a bright smile. “Oh, it’s just you.” I sat back down in my desk chair and put my homework away.

  Shawna frowned at my comment but smiled back. “Thanks, nice to be welcomed,” she said sarcastically.

  I chuckled, “No, I was just expecting someone else and was glad when it was you instead.”

  Shawna raised a thin eyebrow at me. “Trouble with the boys?”

  I nodded but didn’t elaborate. Shawna pulled some books out of her bag and threw them on her desk. The top one read Religions of the World. A thought struck me, and I leaned forward in anticipation. “Shawna you take a Religion Studies class, right?” I didn’t wait for her answer, the book being an obvious indicator. “Do you perhaps have a Bible or any stories about apocalypses?”

  Shawna chuckled, “Apocalypses? Why the sudden interest?” She pulled a Bible from her desk drawer and handed it over.

  A quick Googling of the four Horsemen told me I would find the story in the book of Revelation. I could have just continued my research online, but I knew how stories changed and got twisted around for entertainment on the internet. I wanted to learn the story that the Templars based their whole mission on. Shawna studied me curiously, but I just turned away and read to myself.

  Then I saw when the lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, "Come." I looked, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went
out conquering and to conquer.

  That was obviously about Conquest. No wonder Liam thought he was king of everything. It was written in the Bible that a crown was given to the first Horseman. However, this couldn’t be talking about Liam Griffiths. That would make him over two thousand years old. This was about the first appearance of the Horsemen.

  When He broke the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, "Come." And another, a red horse, went out; and to him who sat on it, it was granted to take peace from the earth, and that men would slay one another; and a great sword was given to him.

  Kaden came to mind, but I couldn’t picture him taking peace from the earth. However, he was born with the talent to cause anger and in many cases, anger is the opposite of peace and the beginnings of war. It was so strange to match the story with the real thing though.

  When He broke the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, "Come." I looked, and behold, a black horse; and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand.

  The rest of the verse spoke of wheat and barley being sold for something called a denarius, but my mind skipped over it. I understood it was trying to say the black horse rider was Famine, but I didn’t understand the wording. It was interesting that the story spoke of Famine holding scales. I remembered seeing a tattoo of scales on Trevor’s arm that morning. Did the rest of the guys have tattoos? Owen never spoke of having one but then again, he could have kept it hidden. Our mother would have flipped.

  My heart raced as I read about the last Horseman. The one about me and Owen.

  When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, "Come." I looked, and behold, an ashen horse; and he who sat on it had the name Death; and Hades was following with him. Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by the wild beasts of the earth.